Best Museum Tours In Sacramento

Sacramento is home to a wide variety of museums about everything in the world that happens between the deep blue seas and outer space, from animals and automobiles to nature, history, art and culture. There are many places to explore and become inspired, and many add new exhibits throughout the year. For the best possible experience, check out the guided tours at these stellar Sacramento museums.

Aerospace Museum of California
3200 Freedom Park Drive
McClellan, CA 95652
(916) 643-3192
www.aerospaceca.org

Visitors of all ages come here to learn about the past, present and future of aviation and aerospace. The museum includes a four-acre airpark and a vast exhibition hall, with plenty to explore with or without a guide. Check out historic planes and military fighter jets, engines, spacecraft, shuttles and other educational displays. For an even more fascinating foray, take a tour with one of the museum's dedicated and enthusiastic docents. Sit in an airplane's cockpit and hear exciting stories from docents who actually flew in one, and learn from experienced engineers who built or worked with the engines on display. The museum has interactive displays and high-tech flight simulators, and visitors will love the ever-changing variety of special programs, classes and competitions.

Sacramento City Cemetery
1000 Broadway
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 448-0811
www.oldcitycemetery.com

A graveyard is unlikely to be the first place that comes to mind for a tour, but the City Cemetery is one of the most fascinating and beautiful places included in the California Association of Museums. Self-guided tours can be taken any time, and guests enjoy strolling along the winding pathways and gorgeous grounds, designed in 1829 to look like a Victorian garden. Guided tours are available in an eclectic variety of topics, ranging from the sedate to the uproarious. The history of Sacramento comes alive in tours highlighting the contributions, challenges, passions and peccadillos of those who were laid to rest in the capitol city. Check out special tours such as Melody and Murder, Spiritualism and Suffrage, Bad Poetry and Purple Prose, A Dozen Ways to Die and Drugs in the Old West. There are even tours created especially for children.

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California Automobile Museum
2200 Front St.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 442-6802
www.calautomuseum.org

This museum is a treat for auto enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the pure lines, beauty and artistry of our world on wheels. More than 150 cars, built from the 1800s to the present day, are part of the permanent exhibits, with special shows taking place frequently. There is plenty to see and visitors can wander through the museum on their own, but taking a guided tour is always fun. The knowledgeable volunteer docents are very friendly, and their enthusiasm for the cars is clear and contagious. Come for a general tour of the museum, or get a customized tour tailored to your interests or needs. Thanks to sponsorship by the Country Club Lions Club, the museum also offers a special tour for the visually impaired. In addition to hearing details and stories about the cars, these unique one-on-one tours let the guest literally get their hands on historic vehicles.

California State Capitol Museum
State Capitol, 10th and L St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 324-0333
www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov

The State Capitol building is an inspirational landmark surrounded by 40 acres of gardens, monuments and memorials. A busy seat of working government, the building has been home to the California Legislature since 1864, and the history of the state is reflected in the awe-inspiring statuary, stained glass, mosaic tiled floors, artwork and architecture of its hallowed halls. Guided tours are open to the public at the top of the hour between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and special tours are available by appointment.

Crocker Art Museum
216 O St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-7000
www.crockerartmuseum.org

The Crocker showcases a vast collection of art in numerous mediums from California and around the world, with unique exhibits in many specialty genres. Docents lead tours for public, private and school groups throughout the museum, which is also used for special events and programs in fine art appreciation.

Related: Most Iconic Works Of Art In Sacramento

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.